A steamy summer beach read. Whether you’re needing a book to relax with on a sunny vacay, or it’s a sticky summer in the city, this book will keep you entertained. Though it does start out at a funeral, it’s a light and fun storyline, and it’s not very plot heavy. I think I would have enjoyed the storyline more had it been a dual pov, as I feel like that always adds a little more depth to the reading experience. Overall though, a fun & flirty read.

Their arc and growth phenomenal. I so loved the sweet banter between them. Plus, the ending had me giggling and swooning with giddiness and joy.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Laurel and Sebastian. Laurel s in the last semester of college to be a lawyer. Sebastian owns a landscaping business and several other businesses. They meet when Laurel’s aunt dies and she comes to Palms Springs. There is an instant attraction. They do get along with each other at first. They start dating. They fall in love.

A super fun read! Besides the spice, my favorite part of this book was the martinis! I also loved the subtle legal stuff weaved into her writing!

First Impressions - I choose this book because of it's fun title and Palm Springs setting. And while it's mentioned in blurb that Main Character's Aunt has died, I wasn't expecting several pages of detailed caring for a dying loved one.

Wasn't crazy about the cover to start with.. And after so much cancer, death, and grief I was bewildered by the choice of shirtless guy on the cover. It's very dated and gives the wrong impression of the book. Cover art highlighting martinis and PS architecture would have be more appropriate..

Also this is billed as a Grumpy/Sunshine Romance but the MMC wasn't grumpy he was outright Ass. For most part this wasn't a Romance story but family drama. When it finally got to 'Romance', near the end of story, it felt like I was reading a different book. Suddenly it was all wet folds and pussy over and over. I did a word search. Folds got 12 mentions and Pussy 23. All in the last part of the book.

Feels like author couldn't make up their mind what they wanted to write.

My favorite things was Palm Springs setting, architecture, Aunt Fern, and the martinis.

* I received a Free Advanced Readers copy and I leaving this Review voluntarily.

I’m all for the Grumpy/sunshine romance because we all know how does end up! PURE STEAM! I love the make MC, Latino and possessive and over protective, sometimes it was a little too much, but it was cute to see. I love Laurel, she was the perfect balance because she is a no nonsense type of woman who can keep you on your toes and gives you all the banter but also sensitive at times.

Laurel went through a lot when she was younger, and her aunt Fern is all she has left, but when she passes away and leaves her with everything she will ever need and then some, including Sebastian!!! Come on!!! But other than that the chemistry, between these two was everything I wanted to read in this fast paced romance. I also love the build up into the other characters, it’s making me look forward to the other books that I know will come along featuring the characters I already adore.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Absolutely brilliant. The book covers romance, absent and cruel parents, the loss of dear aunt Fern and fab friends. I loved the mix of it all and the fast bouncy story telling. The romance runs through the whole book, with plenty of sex, cute step brothers and lots of different martinis! Ten out of ten twice over.

3.5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶
First person single pov
Found family

Laurel first meets Sebastian at her aunts funeral and things do not start off well. When Laurel moves to stay in the aunts now empty house, Sebastian always seems to be around.

I really liked the writing and the storyline in Martini Mondays, the palm springs setting was great and the main characters background made the story interesting. However I just wasn't a big fan of the mmc and something about him really rubbed me the wrong way. I also found the spicy scenes a little cringy (my sheath, my folds, my passage, my channel, etc.)

I would still recommend this book as an enjoyable summer read, and will be picking up the next book in the series when this is available.

Thank you to Netgalley and Smart Mouth Publishing for sending me an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own

Who is ready for Martini Monday?

I was excited to read this book and it looks like it is the start of a great series. It starts off slow and builds from there. It does deal with death, grief, and domestic violence. While it has difficult topics, it also has a lightness with great banter, sexual tension, and budding friendships.

I enjoyed reading the slow burn of Laurel and Sebastian. They had good chemistry and sexy banter. I loved how Martini Mondays brought all the characters together to enhance the book more. I did feel parts of this book were slow while near the ending it went too quick. This was a quick and enjoyable read. I hope the series continues as there is an array of great characters to build on.

What to Expect:
❤️ Slow burn
❤️Loveable characters
🔥Steamy scenes
❤️ Witty banter
❤️HEA

Thank you to Netgalley for the free eARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

At her aunt’s funeral, Laurel stumbles across an irate woman shouting at a gorgeous man, calling him a jerk, a prick, and a grumpy asshole. Then she meets Sebastian and adds a few names to that list. Because he may be hot as sin, but he has the personality of a rabid, prickly porcupine.
Laurel struggles to like Sebastian yet can't help herself either, she's drawn and attracted to him both at the same time. The feeling is mutual.
So what happens....
I loved this book it was funny, romantic and the characters were loveable and likeable.
Laurel is sassy, smart and kind.
Sebastian is grumpy, definitely hot and kind to those he loves.
This is a slow burn romance and perfect for a quick read. Well written with a cute story I mean so cute. I had that warm happy feeling at the end. A definite must read!
Kerry Kennedy Author

The author crafted a story which I found entertaining to read. Filled with drama and emotion, the story introduces two interesting characters who quickly find their way into your heart. I found myself rooting for them even though at times, I was not totally a fan of his. An enjoyable read.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Smart Mouth Publishing LLC for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I believe that this is the first in a new series. This was a fantastic book to read. Lots of emotion-sadness, laughter, love. The characters felt real. I enjoyed Laurel's innocence about certain things. Laurels relationship with Sebastian started out very rocky. Her aunt Fern had Martini Monday's at her home and Laurel continues this tradition. A truly interesting book, probably predictable but well worth the read. 4 stars I would highly recomment this book to romance readers.